Politics
NSOFOR (KPAKPANDO NDIGBO) DECLARES FOR SENATE
HON. PRINCE CHINEDU NSOFOR (KPAKPANDO NDIGBO) DECLARES FOR SENATE
– (Anambra South Senatorial District)
A New Dawn for Anambra South and the Igbo Nation
“Remember the former things of old; for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose,’ calling a bird of prey from the east, the man of my counsel from a far country. I have spoken, and I will bring it to pass; I have purposed, and I will do it” Isaiah 46:9‑12
INTRODUCTION & CONTEXT
It is with profound humility and unwavering faith in God that I, Hon. Prince Chinedu Nsofor(Kpakpando Ndigbo), rise today to declare my intention to serve as Senator for Anambra South Senatorial District. Inspired by God’s leading—”Divine Intervention”—I step forward to harness our collective blessings, talents, and resources for the resurgence of our land and people.
Anambra South comprises seven Local Government Areas—Aguata, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Orumba North, and Orumba South—spanning 108 wards and over 1,669 polling units. I am committed to serving each community, from Achina and Ozubulu to Umunze and Ukpor.
WHO I AM & WHY I STAND OUT
I, Hon. Chinedu Nsofor (Kpakpando Ndigbo), a proud son of Ekwusigo Local Government Area in Anambra State, was born on March 24, 1990. I am a committed public servant, a seasoned technocrat, an International development expert, and a grassroots/community development expert. I hold a B.Sc. (Second-Class Upper) and M.Sc. in Social Work.
Over the years, I have served in several strategic national and international roles, including as the National Coordinator of Igbo Heroes Foundation, MD/CEO of the Work While in School Group, Country Director of RapidHeal International (Malaysia HQ), and Programmes Director of Asia Pacific Sports International. My work has centered on youth empowerment, public health, entrepreneurship, and nation-building, and I have championed numerous programs that have positively impacted thousands of lives across the Southeast and beyond.
In the past decade, I have led more than 30 major national programs and initiatives in partnership with institutions such as the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Road Safety Corps, National Commission for Colleges of Education, and several state governments. I pioneered the Work While in School initiative, which now enjoys federal recognition and is being implemented across all colleges of education in Nigeria. As Programme Coordinator for the Innoson Kiara Academy auto-training project, I facilitated vocational training for youths in Imo and Ebonyi states. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I also coordinated safety training for ambulance drivers across Southeast Nigeria.
My passion for service has earned me numerous recognitions, including the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) Leadership Excellence Award, the title of Most Political Student, and inclusion in the UNN Book of Fame for my contributions to student development and university advancement.
What makes me the most suitable candidate for the Anambra South Senatorial seat is not just my experience, but my proven capacity to deliver results. With a vast network of national and international partners and a practical record of grassroots transformation, I am uniquely positioned to turn Anambra South into the center of innovation, industrialization, and youth empowerment. From education reform to building social enterprises and coordinating global partnerships, I have demonstrated the kind of visionary, competent, and community-rooted leadership that Anambra South deserves.
I represent a new generation of effective, responsive, and transformative representation—one that is youthful, prepared, globally connected, and deeply committed to the prosperity of Igbo land.
100 NATIONAL LEGISLATIVE BILLS I WILL PROPOSE ACROSS ALL SECTORS (Implementation Begins in Anambra South)
I do not just see a seat in the Senate—I see a sacred assignment. I see communities transformed, industries rising, and legacies reborn. My legislative vision is not theory; it is a roadmap rooted in our realities. Here are the transformative bills I will champion having Anambra South and the Igbo Nation as the pilot phase:
1. I Will Sponsor A Bill On the Community Needs Assessment & Development Act
I envision a Nigeria where every community’s voice counts. Through this bill, I will initiate a nationwide grassroots needs assessment, beginning with the 110 communities of Anambra South. We will identify problems from within, craft solutions from the people, and implement them through a National Community Solutions Fund. Our communities will not be forgotten—they will become the model for community-driven development across Nigeria.
2. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Establish the Community Production Venture Commission Act
I believe in turning local potential into national prosperity. This bill will create production companies in every community, starting with Anambra South’s 110 towns. Each venture will tap into local raw materials—cassava, palm oil, rice—and produce value-added exports. These ventures will be jointly owned—60% by the government, 40% by the people—and designed to be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange within a decade. I see thriving communities, not abandoned farms.
3. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Enforce the Value-Added Raw Materials Optimization Act
No more exporting our wealth in raw form! With this bill, I will put a national ban on the export of unprocessed raw materials. Our palm, rice, cassava—everything—will be transformed into finished goods. This means more jobs, more income, and industrial growth rooted in our land. Anambra South will be the first zone to show Nigeria what’s possible.
4. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Activate the Local Raw Materials Processing Credit Scheme
I want our entrepreneurs to thrive, not struggle. Through this bill, I will empower federal and regional banks to offer low-interest loans, tax holidays, and export grants to grassroots ventures. The first to benefit will be our palm oil cooperatives, cassava processors, and rice growers in Anambra South. When you produce, I will help you profit.
5. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Secure Local Leadership Through the Community-Based CEO Empowerment Act
I trust our people to lead. I will ensure that CEOs of community PPP ventures come from within—local experts who understand our strengths and values. They will be trained, audited, and held to international standards. From Nnewi to Uga, from Ihiala to Oko, our best brains will run our best businesses.
6. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Launch the National State-to-Private Share Transition Act
My Proposed Community PPP ventures should grow into community-owned legacies. My bill will ensure that the government gradually transfers the majority ownership to the private sector—20% every five years—until our people own their economy. I will also establish community stockholding cooperatives to democratize wealth. Anambra South will lead this ownership revolution.
7. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Guarantee Standards Through the Export-Ready Product Certification Bill
Our products deserve global respect. I will create a Federal Export Quality Bureau that certifies and labels all community-made goods, with full traceability—from seed to shipment. Our palm oil, rice, and cassava from Anambra South will bear the stamp of world-class excellence.
8. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Drive Growth with the Community Industrialization Incentives Act
I believe every community can become a factory of innovation. This bill will provide grants, infrastructure, and training to set up industrial clusters and agro-hubs, starting with 110 industrial nodes in Anambra South. We’ll build, produce, and export from the grassroots up.
9. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Establish the Igbo Development Bank
I see finance flowing into the hands of our people. With this bill, I will establish the Igbo Development Bank, headquartered in Nnewi. It will support Igbo businesses, finance exports, and drive diaspora investments. This model will inspire other regional banks like Arewa and Oduduwa, but we will lead first.
10. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Institutionalize Our Heritage Through the Federal Igbo Apprenticeship System Bill
Our apprenticeship model built empires. I will give it the national respect it deserves—with legal protections, standardized curricula, and part-time university access for apprentices. Anambra South will be the cradle of this national model, blending trade and academia for the 21st century.
11. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Establish the Southeast University of Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition
I dream of a university built for builders. This will be Nigeria’s first federal institution solely dedicated to entrepreneurship and vocational excellence, with apprenticeship integration, startup incubation, and innovation labs. Its main campus? Anambra South, of course.
12. I Will Sponsor A Bill to Introduce the National Apprenticeship Incentive & Integration Bill
Learning a trade will no longer be underrated. My bill will provide grants, tax credits, and national recognition to all businesses training apprentices. We’ll link technical and vocational education to actual businesses, starting with our hubs in Nnewi and Orumba.
13. I Will Sponsor A Bill To Connect Our People to the World via the National Community Export Development & Innovation Scheme (NCEDIS)
Additional Bills covering national educational reform, healthcare innovation, ICT growth, women’s enterprise development, youth entrepreneurship, constitutional amendments for resource decentralization, and state policing are in the works and will be revealed in subsequent policy papers.
CONSTITUENCY PROJECTS: SECTOR-BY-SECTOR DEVELOPMENT AGENDA
1. Economicsy & Entrepreneurship
I will facilitate the launch of the Igbo Development Bank, a dynamic financial institution to provide microloans and venture capital for aspiring entrepreneurs in Anambra South and beyond.
As the Senator, I will spearhead the Anambra South Industrial Revolution Project in Nnewi, transforming it into Africa’s premier manufacturing hub through global investment partnerships.
I will initiate a Public‑Private‑Community Business Facilitation Framework under the Heroes Foundation, connecting local Igbo entrepreneurs to international business ecosystems.
2. Education & Apprenticeship
I will advocate for the establishment of the Southeast University for Entrepreneurship and Skills Acquisition, a federal institution focused entirely on innovation, trades, and startup incubation.
As the Senator, I will institutionalize the Igbo Apprenticeship System by creating a legal framework that allows apprentices to work while studying—graduating with diplomas in entrepreneurship.
I will expand Work‑While‑In‑School Programs by integrating internships and practical entrepreneurial exposure into secondary and tertiary curricula across Anambra South.
3. Youth & Employment
I will facilitate the legislation that protects apprentices and their masters under a unified national legal framework to safeguard the integrity of the apprenticeship tradition.
As the Senator, I will establish Igbo Social Enterprises within SMEs to generate thousands of sustainable youth jobs across sectors.
I will facilitate the development and execution of a Youth Entrepreneurship Blueprint tailored to combat unemployment and inspire innovation across Anambra South communities.
4. Infrastructure & Industrialization
I will mobilize leading industrialists from Anambra South to co-invest in the region’s largest international mall, The Anambra International Shopping Mall(AISM), serving as a trade gateway and job engine.
As the Senator, I will champion the upgrade of road networks, power supply, and water infrastructure through public-private partnerships to support commerce and comfort.
5. Security & Governance
I will lead and champion the Anambra South Community Security Program, enhancing local security architecture in collaboration with federal and grassroots agencies.
As the Senator, I will launch Constituency Security Councils in each community of Anambra South to aid in policy implementation, intelligence sharing, and early warning systems.
6. Agriculture & Agro-Processing
I will facilitate the establishment of the Palm Oil Venture Hubs in palm-producing communities for industrial-scale processing and exports.
I will facilitate the creation of Cassava Flour Mills in cassava-rich villages, where local harvests are turned into export-ready flour products.
I will initiate Rice Processing Plants in riverine areas to ensure that Anambra-grown rice meets the food needs of the Southeast and global export standards.
7. Community Needs & Project Implecurricula
As the Senator, I will oversee a comprehensive Needs Assessment Program across all ~110 communities in Anambra South to identify and prioritize local challenges and solutions.
I will supervise targeted interventions—clean water systems, rural health clinics, and feeder roads—based on data-driven, community-validated priorities.
8. Financing & Ownership Structures
I will create mechanisms for community members and the diaspora to own equity in community ventures and participate in their governance and profits.
I will support the formation of local cooperative stockholding schemes to ensure inclusive financial participation and wealth retention in each community.
9. Governance & Local Industry Leadership
I will appoint qualified CEOs from each host community to manage PPP ventures—professionals with global business exposure—to lead their local ventures to profitability and innovation.
As the Senator, I will initiate executive training programs and industrial collaboration platforms to strengthen leadership capacity across the state.
10. Export Orientation & Foreign Exchange Growth
I will integrate each community venture into export markets, equipping them with packaging, branding, and international trade compliance support.
I will facilitate foreign partnerships and buyers’ networks, enabling Anambra South to earn substantial foreign exchange and grow the state’s GDP.
11. Sustainable Raw‑Material Management
I will ensure that no raw material leaves Anambra South in unprocessed form. Our goal will be total value addition for local and international markets.
As the Senator, I will promote sustainable farming and extraction techniques, protecting both natural resources and community livelihoods.
12. Youth & Community Development Linkages
I will provide vocational training in palm oil processing, cassava, and rice production to prepare our youth for modern industry.
I will incorporate community-based skill centers into each production venture to ensure a steady pipeline of skilled and employable young people.
13. Private‑Sector Transition Strategy
I will facilitate the implementation of a planned divestment schedule where the state gradually sells off its majority shares, enabling the private sector and local investors to take control.
I will ensure transparency and accountability through strong legal frameworks, third-party audits, and public access to performance reports.
14. Value‑Chain Cluster Development
I will facilitate the development of agro-industrial clusters where farmers, processors, packagers, and logistics companies operate in a shared ecosystem.
As the Senator, I will promote shared utilities and support services such as transport, finance, and technology to reduce cost and boost efficiency.
15. Community‑Based Export Certification
I will facilitate the establishment of local Quality Assurance (QA) and Certification Centers to enable our products meet global safety and packaging standards.
I will ensure that all exports bear the “Made in Anambra South” label—recognized and respected worldwide.
16. Infrastructure Integration
I will coordinate directly with relevant state and federal ministries to align infrastructure investments—roads, electricity, and water—with each community’s industrial project.
As the Senator, I will prioritize projects backed by local need assessments, community feedback, and economic return
17. Anambra South Academic Excellence Fund (ASAEF)
I will facilitate the establishment of the Anambra South Academic Excellence Fund to provide full scholarships for top-performing students in science, law, agriculture, ICT, and engineering from each of the seven LGAs.
I will sponsor over 100 students annually to attend top Nigerian and international universities.
I will create a robust mentorship network linking these students with accomplished diaspora scholars to build long-term intellectual capital and leadership pipelines for the Igbo nation.
18. TVET Reform & Dual Training Education System
I will upgrade the technical colleges in Orumba, Nnewi, and Ihiala to world-class standard through a comprehensive technical and infrastructural overhaul.
I will initiate strategic partnerships with firms in Germany and China to adopt a dual-mode learning system, combining academic training with real-time industrial attachment.
I will support and legislate the Igbo Apprenticeship–University Integration Scheme, allowing young artisans to gain formal diplomas in entrepreneurship while continuing their hands-on training.
19. Agro-Industrial Mega Zones (AIMZs)
I will facilitate to establish an Agro-Industrial Mega Zones across Anambra South to process local crops into high-value exports:
Cassava → Flour and ethanol
Palm Fruits → Oil, soap, cosmetics
Rice → Polished rice and bran
Each AIMZ will act as an anchor employer in every LGA, creating 2,500–3,000 permanent jobs per zone, while strengthening food security and export revenue.
20. “Farm Smart, Earn Big” Agri-Tech Pilot
I will facilitate the launch of high-tech agri-clusters in Ihiala, Aguata, and Orumba for rice, cassava, and palm oil production.
These clusters will be equipped with drones, solar-powered irrigation systems, and real-time digital monitoring tools.
I will facilitate the enrollment of 2,000 youths annually under the Anambra South Agri-Tech Corps, providing them with land access, startup capital, and equipment to become agri-entrepreneurs.
21. Africa International Shopping and Mall (AISM)
I will facilitate the construction of the Africa International Shopping and Mall (AISM) in Nnewi, which will be Southeast Nigeria’s largest export-oriented trade center.
The complex will feature:
1,000+ shops and stalls
A modern packaging center and logistics depots
Duty-free zones for efficient import/export operations
Built under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, AISM will create over 7,000 jobs and host 500+ indigenous brands.
I will ensure strategic expansion to Ekwusigo and Ihiala for broader market access.
22. Diaspora Investment Accelerator (DIA)
I will facilitate the launch of the Anambra South Diaspora Investment Portal, directly linking Igbo professionals and investors in the diaspora with homegrown startups and scalable businesses.
I will convene the Annual Anambra South Diaspora Investment Summit, collaborating with the Igbo Business Forums in Europe, the USA, and Asia.
My target is to mobilize ₦20 billion in diaspora-led Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) by 2030 to boost local industries and infrastructure.
23. South Tech Innovation Hubs & Digital Skills Centres
I will lead the establishment of Tech Innovation Hubs in Nnewi (as the Tech City Pilot), Ihiala, and Orumba North, with satellite training centers in all seven LGAs.
These hubs will provide comprehensive youth training in:
Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Blockchain Development
Robotics
UI/UX Design
Software Engineering
I will ensure these centers are linked to global innovation networks for remote work, startup incubation, and job outsou
Politics
Why Ifako-Ijaiye’s Voice Is Louder At The Lagos Assembly: The Jah Factor
Why Ifako-Ijaiye’s Voice Is Louder At The Lagos Assembly: The Jah Factor
By Ibukun Simon
In legislative politics, not all representatives are created equal. Some merely occupy seats; others shape conversations, influence outcomes, and leave visible footprints in the lives of their people. Since 2019, Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency I has belonged firmly to the latter category, thanks to the emergence of Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji, fondly known as JAH, as its representative in the Lagos State House of Assembly.
As a journalist who has covered proceedings of the Lagos Assembly consistently since 2015, I have witnessed first-hand how representation can either fade into the normal routine or rise into relevance. The entry of Hon. Adedeji into the Assembly marked a clear turning point—not only for Ifako-Ijaiye, but for the quality of debate, advocacy, and people-focused legislation within the House.
On the floor of the Assembly, Hon. Adedeji stands out as one of the lawmakers journalists naturally gravitate towards. His interventions during plenary sessions are deliberate, articulate, and deeply rooted in public interest and knowledge. In the 40-member House, he is widely regarded as one of the top five lawmakers whose contributions command attention, not because of theatrics, but due to his clarity of thought, persuasive delivery, and uncommon mastery of issues. When JAH speaks, the chamber listens—and the press takes notes.
This strength of presence is crucial in a legislative environment where influence matters. In parliamentary practice, experience translates to authority. The Lagos State House of Assembly, like many legislatures, places significant weight on ranking members—lawmakers whose sustained service enhances their ability to push motions, influence committee outcomes, and attract development to their constituencies. Returning Hon. Adedeji to the House in 2027 would therefore mean strengthening Ifako-Ijaiye’s bargaining power and ensuring its concerns are not just heard, but prioritized.
Beyond the chambers, the impact of Hon. Adedeji’s representation is visible across the constituency. In terms of infrastructural development, several road construction and rehabilitation projects have been attracted to Ifako-Ijaiye under his watch, improving accessibility, boosting local businesses, and easing daily movement for residents. These are practical dividends of democracy that speak louder than campaign slogans.
Equally significant is his focus on human development and social inclusion. Since assuming office in 2019, Hon. Adedeji has facilitated job opportunities, empowered the less privileged, and consistently supported students through the distribution of JAMB and GCE forms, helping to remove financial barriers to education. These interventions reflect the impact of a representative who understands that development must touch both infrastructure and people.
What further distinguishes Hon. Adedeji is his constant engagement with constituents. Through consultations, town-hall interactions, and accessibility, he has maintained a relationship that goes beyond election cycles. This closeness has fostered trust and ensured that governance remains responsive to grassroots realities.
As Lagos continues to grow and legislative responsibilities become more demanding, constituencies like Ifako-Ijaiye cannot afford experimental representation. They require lawmakers who understand the system, command respect within it, and can translate legislative influence into real benefits for the people.
From the Assembly floor to the streets of Ifako-Ijaiye, the record since 2019 is clear: effective representation works—and Hon. Adewale Temitope Adedeji has delivered it.
Ibukun writes from Ifako-Ijaiye.
Politics
Lack of Understanding or Legitimate Concern? Otti’s Defence of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Sparks National Debate
Lack of Understanding or Legitimate Concern? Otti’s Defence of Tinubu’s Tax Reform Sparks National Debate
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG
“Abia Governor Alex Otti argues critics misunderstand the overhaul of Nigeria’s tax laws, but the controversy reveals deeper anxieties about governance, transparency and economic strain.”
When Abia State Governor Alex Otti publicly defended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly enacted tax reform laws on February 13, 2026, he did more than just push back at critics, he threw the spotlight back on a fulcrum issue dividing Nigeria’s political and economic classes. Otti’s assertion that Nigerians attacking the tax policy “lack understanding” crystallises a broader fracture in public discourse over fiscal policy, governance and the future of the Nigerian economy.
The comments from Governor Otti came amid an intensifying national conversation over sweeping tax reforms signed into law in June 2025, designed to modernise Nigeria’s tax architecture and expand revenue mobilisation. These reforms (long in the making and championed by a Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee chaired by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele) mark the most far‑reaching overhaul of federal tax laws in decades. They include restructuring the Federal Inland Revenue Service into the National Revenue Service (NRS), establishing a Tax Appeal Tribunal and Ombudsman Office, and unifying revenue collection frameworks to improve transparency and efficiency.
Governor Otti’s praise for the new legislation resonated with elements of his own fiscal thinking. Drawing on economic positions he articulated nearly a decade ago, he argued that key principles now entrenched in the law reflect sound fiscal reasoning and long‑standing proposals to strengthen Nigeria’s economic foundations. “Almost 10 years ago, I wrote about the fiscal side of things,” Otti said. “When I read the new tax reform law, I saw many of those arguments reflected in it. I thank Prof. Oyedele. When people attack him, they don’t understand.”
Yet, while Otti’s intervention was meant to de‑escalate public criticism, it instead exposed how complex and emotionally charged the issue of taxation has become in Nigeria. Critics, both inside and outside government, argue that the reforms have not been adequately explained to citizens and that many fear the measures will aggravate hardship amid already high costs of living. One prominent voice of dissent, fiscal policy analyst Aborisade, warned that without transparency and clear communication on how tax revenues will be collected and returned to the people, “these reforms risk becoming deeply unpopular.” Critics also highlight that any tax increase implemented without demonstrable improvements in public services could fuel resentment and mistrust in governance.
That mistrust is not abstract. For years, Nigeria has struggled with weak tax compliance, low revenue‑to‑GDP ratios compared with other emerging economies, and public scepticism over how government revenues are utilised. Many Nigerians remember episodes where policy changes were not accompanied by visible improvements in infrastructure, healthcare or power delivery, reinforcing the belief among skeptics that new taxes equate to greater burden with little reward.
For supporters like Otti and others in government policy circles, the reforms represent a long‑overdue attempt to widen the tax net and reduce Nigeria’s chronic dependence on volatile oil revenues. Advocates argue that a modernised tax system can enhance domestic revenue mobilisation, reduce fiscal deficits, and create a more resilient economy. They point out that reforms provide exemptions and reliefs for low‑income earners and small businesses and are aimed at building a fairer, more transparent system for all stakeholders.
Still, bridging the gap between these competing narratives is challenging. Opposition voices contend that even well‑designed tax policy may fail if the state lacks the capacity to implement it equitably or if the public’s confidence in leadership remains weak. “Without accountability and clear benefits for their contributions, any tax reform risks becoming deeply unpopular,” Aborisade emphasised, warning that heavy taxation without trust can fracture the social contract.
The debate over Tinubu’s tax reform illustrates a deeper truth about contemporary Nigeria: that economic policy no longer exists in a vacuum but is deeply intertwined with public sentiment, political legitimacy, and social cohesion. As one respected economist put it, “Taxation is not just a fiscal tool, it is a trust‑building exercise between the state and its citizens.” When that trust is fragile, even technically sound reforms can be seen as punitive rather than constructive.
Analysts suggest that meaningful public engagement (including sustained information campaigns, transparent revenue utilisation reporting and constructive dialogue with civil society) is essential to soothe anxieties and build confidence in the new system. Without this, what began as an effort to stabilise public finances could widen political and social divides.
In defending the tax reforms, Governor Otti has framed the challenge as one of comprehension rather than critique. But the controversy unfolding across Nigeria is not simply about misunderstanding; it underscores a profound gap between policy design and public perception. For a reform of this magnitude to succeed, Nigerians must be assured not only of its economic merits, but also of its fairness, transparency and tangible impact on everyday lives.
As the implementation phase continues through 2026 and beyond, the Tinubu administration, state governments and economic stakeholders face the critical task of translating legislative change into broader public trust – a task as difficult as any technical reform the tax laws themselves seek to achieve.
Politics
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
Cubana Chief Priest Backs Tinubu Ahead of 2027, Signalling Shift in Celebrity Political Alignments
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | SaharaWeeklyNG
“Socialite’s public declaration underscores growing intersection of business, entertainment and electoral politics as Nigeria inches toward another high-stakes presidential race.”
A prominent Nigerian socialite and nightlife entrepreneur, Pascal Okechukwu (popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest) has publicly declared his support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, in a move that has stirred debate across Nigeria’s political and social media landscapes.
The declaration emerged in early February 2026 through a series of Instagram posts and public exchanges with critics and followers. In those posts, the celebrity businessman stated unequivocally that he would align himself with Tinubu’s political camp and work against the anticipated presidential bid of former Anambra State governor and Labour Party figure, Peter Obi.
Cubana Chief Priest, who commands a large following across Nigeria’s entertainment and hospitality sectors, framed his decision as both a political and economic calculation. In one exchange, he argued that as an employer and businessman, he preferred collaboration with the incumbent administration rather than opposition politics.
He also publicly declared that he and his family had chosen to “stay with the moving train” of Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, signalling clear political alignment with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The shift is politically significant because the socialite had previously been associated with Peter Obi during the 2023 presidential election cycle. In his own words, he acknowledged that he worked for Obi during that campaign, even while holding an advisory role to an APC-aligned state government.
His new stance therefore represents a notable reversal, particularly within the South-East business community, where Obi enjoyed strong support during the last election.
The controversy surrounding the declaration intensified after an online clash between Cubana Chief Priest and social commentator Isaac Fayose, the brother of former Ekiti State governor Ayodele Fayose. The dispute centred on the socialite’s decision to align with Tinubu’s political movement, with Fayose accusing him of opportunism. In response, Cubana Chief Priest defended his position, arguing that political alignment was a practical choice for a businessman responsible for large-scale employment.
He also linked his support for the APC government to broader political objectives, including the potential release of detained pro-Biafra leader Nnamdi Kanu, stating that such outcomes were more achievable from within the ruling political structure than from opposition ranks.
Beyond social media statements, reports indicate that Cubana Chief Priest has expressed interest in running for a seat in the House of Representatives in 2027 under the APC platform, suggesting that his endorsement of Tinubu is part of a deeper political ambition rather than a mere celebrity opinion.
News reports also describe his announcement of political plans and explicit backing of Tinubu as part of the emerging alignment of business figures with the president’s second-term project.
The development coincides with political moves by his associate, the businessman Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, who has also been linked to pro-Tinubu political structures ahead of 2027.
This clustering of influential entrepreneurs around the ruling party has prompted renewed discussion about the growing role of celebrity endorsements and business interests in Nigeria’s electoral politics.
Political analysts say such endorsements, while often symbolic, can influence public perception, especially among young voters who are heavily engaged with celebrity culture. As political scientist Larry Diamond once observed, “In transitional democracies, informal power networks (business elites, media figures, and celebrities) can shape political outcomes as much as formal party structures.”
Similarly, Nigerian scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim has argued that “the fusion of business capital and political capital is one of the defining features of contemporary Nigerian politics.”
However, critics warn that celebrity political alignments rarely translate into structured policy debates or ideological clarity. Economist Pat Utomi has repeatedly cautioned that “Nigeria’s democracy suffers when politics becomes an extension of celebrity influence rather than a contest of ideas and development strategies.”
For now, Cubana Chief Priest’s declaration remains a personal political endorsement rather than an official party appointment at the national level. Yet its timing (more than a year before the formal campaign cycle for 2027) illustrates how early positioning has already begun among Nigeria’s political and business elites.
Key figures involved:
Pascal Okechukwu (Cubana Chief Priest): Socialite and businessman who declared support for Tinubu.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu: Incumbent Nigerian president expected to seek re-election in 2027.
Peter Obi: Former Anambra governor and likely opposition contender.
Isaac Fayose: Social commentator who criticised the endorsement.
Obinna Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana): Business associate linked to pro-Tinubu political structures.
As Nigeria moves gradually toward the 2027 electoral cycle, the intersection of celebrity influence, business interests and party politics is likely to intensify, raising fresh questions about the nature of democratic mobilisation in Africa’s most populous nation.
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